Scottish Cup preview: It's step two on the road to Hampden

Keith McLeod has his eyes on a cup run with Spartans (Image: www.SportPix.org.uk)

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Spartans vs Albion Rovers

HE’S a Spartans legend who has already helped carve the club’s name into Scottish Cup history.

With more than 370 appearances and 246 goals to his name in a 13-year period, Keith McLeod has been there, seen it and done it all with the Edinburgh club.

But the veteran striker would swap it all to hit the goal that takes Spartans into the SPFL.

Next season, for the first time, the Ainslie Park side will have the chance to gain promotion into the SPFL via the newly-created Lowland League.

And as he prepared for yet another Scottish Cup adventure today, McLeod, who will spearhead the attack against Albion Rovers, said: “I’ve had quite a few Scottish Cup highlights. Years ago we were a goal down to Arbroath and I scored an equaliser before we won 4-1.

“I had half of Gilmarton up at that game – all my mates had gone.

“The games we had with Livingston were unbelievable. Normally there would be two men and a dog at City Park and suddenly we had a couple of thousand crammed in.

“Playing St Mirren was memorable too. They were flying high in the First Division and to hold them to 0-0 was massive.

“Next season there’s play-offs and potential promotion up for grabs to the SPFL.

“It would mean everything to reach the SPFL. My dream is to play next season and score the winning goal that takes us there. That would be a happy retirement. I’d gladly hang up my boots then.”

The Prestonfield Park boss will lock horns with the Highland League side for the first time in a career that has already stored a few Scottish Cup highlights.

And despite knowing little about this afternoon’s opposition, the former Hearts midfielder believes the juniors are equipped to get the win that could set them down a road to many more.

The Linlithgow boss said: “I went up to watch Deveronvale last week so we know what to expect – it will be a hard game. It’s all the more difficult that it’s away from home and at a ground where I’ve never been.

“That makes it a step into the unknown for us but I’m glad I managed to have the chance to see them play. We’ll look to do a professional job and I have complete belief in my players.

“I was given this job 22 months ago and since then we’ve lost only three games. It’s a record we’re all proud of and the players deserve immense credit for the run.

“The second round is the last hurdle before clubs get the chance to be drawn against the bigger sides so it’s a massive carrot for both teams.

“When I was at Hearts in 1998 we won the Scottish Cup. Even though I wasn’t stripped for the final when we beat Rangers, it was a memorable occasion and I got to enjoy the celebrations.

“I was also captain of Linlithgow when we became the first junior side to reach the fourth round.

“And I was at Berwick when we earned a replay against Rangers at Ibrox. That was a great day as it was Alex McLeish’s first game in charge and the match was live on Sky.

“That is what the Scottish Cup is all about for smaller clubs.”

Auchinleck Talbot vs St Cuthbert

THE club website jokes about his “limited ability” and he even calls himself a carthorse who couldn’t trap a ball.

But St Cuthbert stalwart Jim Kirk wants to step up and show his qualities today against Auchinleck Talbot in the Cup.

The defender said: “I’m a big Clydesdale horse who couldn’t trap a ball from six yards. But I give everything for the team and the boys all know that.”

Auchinleck Talbot striker David Gormley is a doubt as they face St Cuthbert Wanderers who have Callum McLean out.

Berwick will have Billy Bald in goal against Peterhead – the only all SPFL tie – as Hibs have turned down a request to allow the on-loan Paul Grant to feature.

Lee Currie misses it through suspension with injuries ruling out Dougie Brydon and Owen Ronald while Peterhead have a doubt over Graeme Sharp plus Ryan Strachan and Callum MacDonald out.

Brora Rangers are at full strength against Cove.

Buckie Thistle have Chris Hegarty suspended against Annan, who have a doubt over Kenny McKay (shoulder).

Dalbeattie Star’s former player-manager John MacBeth returned this week and is included as a player but Curtis Wilson is suspended. Montrose are without Alan Campbell and Lloyd Young is absent. Gareth Rodger is not included as his loan deal does not cover the Scottish Cup.

Deveronvale include Ricky Wardrop after his move from Forres while David Dunn and Ruari MacLellan are back for Linlithgow Rose. Stuart McArthur remains out.